NEWS
“Do Not Give Up; Keep Pushing and Never Surrender” — Gov. Alex Otti Charges Nigerians to Defend Freedom, Strengthen Democracy
The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has called on Nigerians to embrace the full responsibilities of citizenship, remain vigilant in protecting the country’s democratic gains and actively participate in rebuilding the nation.
Governor Otti made the call in his 2026 Independence Day broadcast to Nigerians on Thursday, October 1, as the country marks 66 years of independence.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey since October 1, 1960, the Governor expressed gratitude to God for the privilege of witnessing another Independence anniversary, while paying tribute to the men and women who championed the struggle for self-governance.
He noted that although the independence struggle was driven largely by the political elites of the time, the support and commitment of ordinary Nigerians gave the movement its legitimacy.
Governor Otti urged Nigerians to reflect on the dreams and expectations that inspired the country’s founding fathers, acknowledging that while Nigeria may not have attained all the heights envisioned at independence, the nation has recorded achievements worthy of recognition.
According to him, Nigeria still possesses the human talent, resources and ingenuity required to rediscover the greatness that characterised the country’s early years of nationhood.
The Governor, however, identified persistent challenges including inadequate infrastructure, poverty, unemployment, insecurity, limited access to education and healthcare, and low utilisation of the country’s productive capacity as issues that should concern every patriotic Nigerian.
He particularly expressed concern over the increasing number of young Nigerians leaving the country in search of opportunities abroad, describing the situation as a painful reflection on Nigeria’s development journey after 66 years of independence.
Despite the challenges, Governor Otti urged Nigerians not to allow disappointment to degenerate into despair, stressing that the country’s optimistic spirit and resilience remain important assets in confronting its difficulties.
He challenged citizens to move beyond the culture of blame and recognise that everyone has a stake in the Nigerian project, irrespective of occupation, place of origin, political affiliation or religious belief.
According to him, meaningful national transformation requires citizens to actively participate in conversations and processes that shape governance rather than remain passive observers.
Governor Otti maintained that patriotism is not demonstrated through violence, endless criticism or indifference, but through the willingness to confront national challenges using legitimate and constructive means.
He listed voting during elections, participating in social and political conversations, influencing the governance agenda, paying taxes, obeying traffic regulations, maintaining clean environments, being diligent at work and pursuing excellence as some of the practical ways citizens can contribute to national development.
The Governor also warned against practices such as dishonesty, mediocrity, greed, nepotism and clannishness, saying they undermine national progress by fuelling corruption, institutional inefficiency and poor governance.
He called on Nigerians to collectively embrace the duties of citizenship, stressing that doing so would help actualise the dreams of the men and women who fought for Nigeria’s independence.
Governor Otti also reflected on some of the painful chapters in Nigeria’s post-independence history, including the Civil War, military interventions in politics and poorly managed elections which, according to him, contributed to the emergence of political leaders who were sometimes disconnected from the aspirations that inspired the independence struggle.
He nevertheless described Nigeria’s uninterrupted democratic journey over the last 27 years as a significant achievement, particularly when viewed against the political instability experienced during the country’s early years.
The Governor urged Nigerians to take advantage of the rights provided by democracy by becoming more active participants in choosing those who govern them.
He stressed the importance of electing capable leaders, warning that Nigeria’s development aspirations would remain difficult to achieve if citizens continued to stay away from the ballot box, sell their votes or vote based on primordial sentiments.
Governor Otti emphasised that the future of Nigeria would ultimately be shaped by the decisions Nigerians make every day and during elections.
“Ultimately, what becomes of Nigeria in the next 66 years will be up to us as expressed in the decisions we make every day and periodically when we vote to elect leaders,” he said.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s enormous potential, the Governor cautioned that potential alone cannot transform a nation without the commitment and hard work of its citizens.
He also used the occasion to honour Nigerians whose daily sacrifices continue to sustain the country, particularly members of the armed forces and other security agencies working to confront insecurity across the country.
Governor Otti extended his appreciation to teachers, health workers, civil servants, artisans, traders, artists, sportspeople, diplomats, scientists, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, farmers and other Nigerians whose talents and efforts contribute to the country’s social and economic development.
He described entrepreneurs, manufacturers and farmers in particular as important drivers of economic growth, job creation and national productivity.
To Nigerians who continue to struggle and build despite prevailing difficulties, the Governor delivered a message of resilience and perseverance.
“The message that I leave you with remains what it has always been: do not give up; keep pushing and never surrender to the vicissitudes of the time; it is in staying firm and unyielding that we win,” he declared.
Turning specifically to the people of Abia State, Governor Otti expressed appreciation for what he described as their enduring faith in Nigeria and their support for his administration.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the rapid socioeconomic transformation of Abia, promising that the State would continue to build systems and institutions capable of responding to the aspirations of its people.
He also reiterated that the security and welfare of Abia residents would remain a foremost priority of his administration.
The Governor called on Ndi Abia to remain committed to the broader Nigerian project, noting that the State has an important role to play in advancing the ideals of freedom, national sovereignty and development that inspired the country’s independence movement.
As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, Otti concluded with a strong appeal for vigilance, warning that the freedoms secured through the sacrifices of previous generations must never be taken for granted.
He said the preservation of those freedoms would depend on the collective vigilance of the present generation and those yet to come, urging Nigerians to protect the values and democratic rights that remain central to the nation’s identity.
“Let me now conclude by reminding us that the fruits of yesterday’s struggles can only be sustained by the collective vigilance of our generation and those coming after us,” Governor Otti said.
He urged Nigerians to remain watchful, responsible and committed to the ideals of nation-building, stressing that complacency could create opportunities for those who seek to undermine the freedoms Nigerians have fought to preserve.
The Governor ended his Independence Day message with prayers for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as the nation continues its journey toward a more prosperous, peaceful and united future.